Les Kiss has reshaped the Wallabies for their second Test against Argentina in Mendoza, handing Ben Donaldson a rare start at fly-half while restoring Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau to the midfield.
Donaldson will wear the number 10 shirt for the first time since Australia’s defeat by Argentina in 2024. Kiss has confirmed that Carter Gordon is fit and has been moved to the bench to allow Donaldson another opportunity to establish himself as the Wallabies’ playmaker. ([wallabies.rugby](https://www.wallabies.rugby/news/ben-10-wallabies-coach-kiss-confident-donaldson-is-up-to-argentina-challenge-in-rare-test-start-202693?utm_source=openai))
Ryan Lonergan retains the scrum-half position after becoming an increasingly influential figure in Australia’s attacking structure. With Tate McDermott absent from the replacements, the Brumbies half-back is expected to shoulder much of the creative responsibility in the Test at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.
Taniela Tupou returns to the front row after being rested for the opening match in Jujuy, strengthening a pack which also includes Angus Bell and Billy Pollard. Filipo Daugunu comes in on the wing, while Harry Wilson leads the side from number eight.
Suaalii’s return is one of the most significant changes. He was left among the replacements in Jujuy but now resumes his partnership with Ikitau, with Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry dropping out of the starting midfield. The pair will be making their first start together under Kiss. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-04/wallabies-spring-selection-shocks-for-argentina-match/107114756?utm_source=openai))
Tom Wright is also set to win his 50th Test cap at full-back. The Wallabies arrive in Mendoza after edging Argentina 27-21 in Jujuy last weekend, with the second match forming the decisive game of the two-Test series. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-04/wallabies-spring-selection-shocks-for-argentina-match/107114756?utm_source=openai))
The Wallabies will start with Wright behind Max Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau and Daugunu; Donaldson and Lonergan; Fraser McReight, Wilson and Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Tupou, Pollard and Bell.
Isaac Henry, Gordon, Kalani Thomas, Charlie Cale, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Massimo De Lutiis, Aidan Ross and Josh Nasser make up the replacements.
